2024 - ECC Project Backpack Returns In-Person to Provide Supplies to Local Students

Elgin Community College and its partners are preparing for Project Backpack, a community-based initiative that collects and distributes school supplies to students in need in the area. The school supply giveaway event is back in person this year and will take place on Saturday, August 3, from 9 am to 1 pm in the Building J Spartan Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. The event will also take place outside of Building C in the Green Space.

Project Backpack is celebrating its fifteenth year; approximately 22,000 students have benefitted from the program. During the event, backpacks pre-filled with school supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one backpack per student.

“Each year, the Project Backpack Committee comes together to help our community youth,” said Amybeth Maurer, assistant dean of student experience and engagement. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with local school districts to distribute supplies directly to families so they are prepared and confident when the school year begins.”

Individuals interested in volunteering for a shift during the backpack packing days on Tuesday, July 30 through Thursday, August 1, or during the event on Saturday, August 3, can register online at project-backpack.org.

Students who provide proof of residence for fall 2024 enrollment in school districts U-46, 300, 301, 303, or 20 or at ECC are eligible to receive free backpacks. A range of community agencies, interactive activities, and services will also be available at the event to share information and help residents. Attendees can get their faces painted, visit the mobile library, tour a firetruck, and more.

Project Backpack partners are Elgin Community College, Elgin Community College Faculty Association, Elgin Community College Pension Plan Participants, Kane County Regional Office of Education, Kane County Teachers Credit Union, and School District U-46.

For more information, visit project-backpack.org or contact the ECC Student Life Office at 847-214-7370. For more information in Spanish, call 847-888-5000, ext. 5039 (Para información en Español, llame 847-888-5000, extensión 5039.)